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- Nagano Shinkansen
The Nagano Shinkansen Asama began service in 1997 in advance of the Nagano Olympics. Passing by Takasaki from Tokyo, it ascends steeply and crosses Usui Pass before arriving in Karuizawa, a resort area with history. As the train continues forward, Mount Asama can be seen to the right, the namesake of the Asama service, and then a valley opens up with an abundance of apricot and apple cultivation. Soon, the train comes to Zenko Temple and Nagano City.
The Train Line-up
- Series E2
Asama: Tokyo - Nagano
Places of Interest
- Karuizawa developed with a unique culture after Archdeacon Alexander Croft Shaw, a Canadian missionary, made it a popular summer location to escape from the heat of lower lands. The beauty of such historical buildings as the Karuizawa Kogen Church and the Kyu-Mikasa Hotel attracts many people to this town. Using the Nagano Shinkansen, Karuizawa can be reached from Tokyo in about an hour, making it a great leisure spot for golf, horse riding, and outlet mall shopping or just some quiet time to enjoy any of the four seasons.
Access: Take the Nagano Shinkansen to Karuizawa Station. 
- Located a 15-minute bus ride from Nagano Station is Zenkoji Temple, whose 1400-year-old main building is a designated national treasure. Not affiliated with a particular Buddhist sect, it is visited by a wide range of people. A popular treat in Nagao is the oyaki, a dumpling unique to the area, made with wheat or buckwheat flour for the outside bun. Typical fillings change with the seasons, but include vegetables and a bean paste.
Access: Take the Nagano Shinkansen to Nagano Station. 
- The northern portion of Nagano Prefecture is referred to as Kita Shinano, known for its beautiful mountains and many hot spring villages. One of these is the Jigokudani (Hell’s Valley) Hot Spring, located in the deepest folds of the mountains. It can be reached on the Nagano Electric Railway, about an hour from Nagano Station. While there, visit Yaen Park to see wild snow monkeys (macaques) frolicking in the open-air baths.
Access: Take the Nagano Shinkansen to Nagano Station, then transfer to the Nagano Electric Railway to Yudanaka Station, about a 60-minute ride on the limited express. The bus provides local access.